VINYL
* no minimum!
- Long lasting.
- Wide selection of colors to choose from.
- Perfect for letters, numbers and simple designs for jerseys, tshirts and more!
- Acceptable file formats include .AI, .PDF, .EPS.
*When working off image files such as .JPG, .BMP or .GIF, a setup fee may apply to vectorize a file.
What is vinyl?
Heat transfer vinyl, or HTV for short, is a specialty vinyl polymer that can be used on certain fabrics and materials to create designs and promotional products. It comes in a roll or sheet form with an adhesive backing so it can be cut, weeded, and placed on a substrate for heat application. Heat transfer vinyl is made in single colors and is best used for simple designs with minimal colors since each individual color or pattern used in the design must be cut, weeded, and heat pressed. Certain heat transfer vinyl can be layered to form multi-colored designs. The more layers involved, the harder it is to match up each to achieve the end result. Heat transfer vinyl cannot be used for full-color pictures or anything with gradients. There are other applications for those options.
Because of the nature of the way the vinyl is applied, it must be used on products that can take the heat and pressure required to make the transfer adhere properly. For fabrics and clothing, typically this is temperatures in the range of 250-300 deg Fahrenheit / 120-150 degrees Celcius. The product (also known as a substrate) will also need to hold up under the clamping action and pressure of the heat press.
A brief history of VINYL
The Beginning
The origin of vinyl graphics began in the 17th century when French engraver Simon Francois Ravenet immigrated to England. He is credited with re-popularizing the engraving process in the British country and inventing the vinyl decal technique. Ravenet discovered that when you engrave at the correct “depth” using heated copper plates and handmade tissue paper with the right amount of pressure, vinyl decals resulted. He made this discovery after perfecting his copper engraving technique. Some of the engraver’s work remains on display at the National Portrait Gallery in London and the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio.
Vinyl Plotter Machines
Vinyl decals and signs were hand-painted or handmade until the 1980s when vinyl plotter machines were invented. The devices made producing vinyl decals much easier by cutting the graphics out of vinyl sheets with an adhesive backing.
Personal Computing
By the 1990s personal computing was on the rise and so was the ability to create more affordable vinyl plotter machines. Soon small sign companies were able to compete with larger sign businesses because they could produce more vinyl graphic signs in shorter time periods. Later that decade, hybrid plotters made it possible for customers to choose from a full range of colors instead of being limited to a few choices. Today’s sign companies use cut vinyl and digital printing techniques to produce signs efficiently, making them more affordable for their customers.
* NO ORDERS ACCEPTED 30 MIN PRIOR TO STORE CLOSING WITH EXCEPTIONS FOR OUR NATIONAL CITY LOCATION ACCEPTING NO ORDERS AFTER 6PM AND KEARNY MESA ACCEPTING NO ORDERS AFTER 6:30PM.
Kearny Mesa
7763 Balboa Ave.
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 836-3377
Point Loma
3171 Sports Arena Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 225-0005
El Cajon
317 North Second Street
El Cajon, CA 92021
(619) 590-0101
National City
1502 Highland Avenue
National City, CA 91950
(619) 791-1143